Lutzomyialongipalpis in Brazil: a complex or a single species? A mini-reviewBauzer, Luiz GSR; Souza, Nataly A; Maingon, Rhayza DC & Peixoto, Alexandre A

Abstract

Lutzomyialongipalpis is the main vector of Leishmaniainfantumchagasi, the causative agent of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). Although there is strong evidence that Lu. longipalpis is a species complex, not all data concerning populations from Brazil support this hypothesis. The issue is still somewhat controversial for this large part of Lu. longipalpis distribution range even though that it is the Latin American region contributing to most of the cases of AVL. In this mini-review we consider in detail the current data for the Brazilian populations and conclude that Lu. longipalpis is a complex of incipient vector species with a complexity similar to Anophelesgambiae s.s. in Africa.